Steve Lawrence, Adjunct Professor of Political Science, was invited to represent Walters State Community College at the Council on Foreign Relations 2023 College and University Educators Workshop in New York City April 27 and 28.

Lawrence has taught American Government and Comparative Government courses at WSCC for six years.

Lawrence participated in a conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada as well as a full program of world affairs topics including a dinner conversation with Jill Dougherty, former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief and currently a professor at Georgetown University.

Other seminar topics included Security in East Asia, Trade and the Green Economy, Chatbots and Artificial Intelligence, and Human Rights in Latin America.

The Council on Foreign Relations is a non-partisan non-profit organization which provides free classroom tools to introduce students in middle school all the way through graduate school to the fundamentals of foreign policy and international relations.

Lawrence has focused on encouraging Civics Education and Engagement in East Tennessee.

Last year his students presented free classes for local community residents about how our government works. In fall 2023, the CE2 (Community Engagement for Civics Education) Program will expand to offer free community classes on the Greeneville, Tazewell, and Morristown campuses.

“Blending civics, history, and political analysis can help Americans rediscover obligations and behaviors that have contributed so much to our country’s success,” he said.

Professor Lawrence’s students have had the opportunity to discuss civics and government with many important guest lecturers in his classroom including two members of Congress, mayors, judges, state legislators, county commissioners and political leaders.

Lawrence has served as a Hamblen County Election Commissioner for three years and he is now supporting efforts to increase voter participation particularly among young people and college students.